Hi, i buy old kits and try to bring they back from the junkyard. Many are covered in heavy paint coats difficult to remove. My question is what is the best paint remover? I have heard of break fluid for acrilics and oven cleaner for oils and enamels. Is this correct? Thanks.

What type of paint did you use on the model? I use cheap oven cleaner. It destroys acrylics and most enamels. Lacquer is a bit of a trick to strip. I've tried brake cleaner, degreaser and oven cleaner. After several sessions, I only just scratched it.

Simple green is a popular US Choice as is Original Windex for acrylics.

In the UK Fairy Power Spray will often shift enamel gunk that Mr Muscle oven cleaner won't.

Always test on a non-visible or a replaceable part/sprue first!

Lab grade 5% Ammonia doesn't shift Hannants' Xtra acrylix btw...

FWIW, here's my report. I used Oven Cleaner and brake fluid (DOT 3 in USA) and got this result:
3.99 challenge

Thanks for the reply. I am working in a tamiya brummbar that seems covered in automotive caterpillar yellow paint. Also i have a 1/32 me 262 that appers painted with either tamiya or vallejo. Maybe both in some areas. I read that soaking the kits completly was the best way to get down to the bare plastic. I ussually remove all the previous paint to get to the seams and disassemble the kit completly. Basically i preffer to overhaul old discarded broken stuff.

Kevin,

+1 on Simple Green -- it works for me. Soak it at least overnight. Rinse it under running water while gently scrubbing it using an old tootbrush. Major selli g point is that bio-degrable stuff, non toxic.

Brake fluid also works for me too, cheaper as well. Just be prepared to get real dirty. This may work if its auto paint you have there on the Stupa.

Cheers,

Tat

I happened on a superb stripper for acrylics. Oxy/oxy power it comes uder different names, but it is a stain remover for clothes. There is a scoop that comes with the tub, just one scoop in a tub 2-3 times bigger than the item to be cleaned. Drop the item into the tub add the scoop of Oxy and then add hot, not boiling or you will melt the model, water. Leave it over night then give it another bath if it needs it. You might have to give it a scrub with a tooth brush for nooks and crannies or hard to remove paint. You will find most of the paint comes off on the 1st attempt. It doesn't damage your model and is safe to handle, and you don't need to seal it in a bag. If you leave it in too long it won't make the model disintegrate. In fact I have left models in for 2-3 days and the parts are still fine. Tried alot of the other items mentioned but this is far superior for acrylic. I don't know if it will remove enamel, as I have not tried as I don't use that medium.

Pete

So what happened ? Let us know .